From the Scotsman Archive: Cycling in bygone times

As it emerges that the popularity of cycling in Scotland has risen by 40 per cent, we take a look back through the Scotsman archives at an earlier age of two-wheeled transport...

CYCLE SHOP ADVERTS

Saturday, 3rd April 1869

VELOCIPEDES — Something New! The Edinburgh Velocipede. Lightest and Most Comfortable mode. Matthew Brown, 57 St Leonards Street.

VELOCIPEDES — Soutter’s New Light and Elegant Parisian bicycles. 102 Princes Street. Lessons given to Purchasers, and Practice Room Free

DANGEROUS BICYCLING

8th August, 1885

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Just about an hour ago, walking with an aged lady and gentleman on one of the roads leading into Elie — three other ladies being about twenty yards in front — a roar was heard behind us, and on hastily looking round I saw two youths on bicycles coming on at racing speed. I have no doubt tho lads whistled as well as roared, though I cannot tell. The lady with me was infirm, and unable to move easily out of the way. I instantly rushed back at the racers, raising my stick in a threatening manner.

A LONG BICYCLE RIDE

29th October 1889

VIENNA, Monday.— Dr Franklin P. Brans, of Cardiff, has just reached Vienna, having made the journey from Rotterdam on a bicycle.

CYCLE SHOW IN EDINBURGH

Monday, 7th February 1898

Treasarer McCrae, in formally declaring the Show open, remarked that the rapid development which had takenn place in the cycle industry during the last few years was calculated to make an outsider stare with astonishment. Most sporfs could be spoken of as national. Of cycling alone could it be said that it was international and cosmopolitan.

GERMAN GOVERNMENT SEIZES BICYCLE TYRES

Friday, 14th July 1916

Amsterdam, July 13. The German Government has seized all bicycle tyres and covers that were in use or intended for use. Only those persons will be allowed to use bicycles henceforth who can satisfactorily show they require them for the purpose of going to work, or in connection with their work, if it is deemed to be in the general interest, or on account of their physical condition.

A USE FOR UNWANTED BICYCLES

Friday, 5th January 1934

The bicycle is generally regarded as the cheapest form of transport other than walking, and for this reason the British Legion is, in cooperation with the Council of Social Service, endeavouring to collect as many unwanted bicycles as possible.

CYCLING ACCIDENTS

Monday, 2nd December 1935

Mr Hore-Belisha, Minister of Transport, expressed his alarm at the increase in the number of casualties to cyclists, when he opened the twentieth Cycle and Motor Cycle Show, at Olympia, London, on Saturday. “The motorist, like yourselves, is increasing in numbers, “ he continued, “and we must learn to use the roads together with less peril to one another than we now do. When I see motorists I ask them to bear your difficulties in mind, and you will not resent it if I now ask you to remember that motorists too. have difficulties, and it is not always ill will which causes them to inconvenience or injure cyclists.”